Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
47% ABV
$25
Website
What the Distillery Says
The first extra-aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to join Elijah Craig’s award-winning family of Bourbons. A unique combination of spicy rye grains and sweet corn, coupled with a steadfast attention to detail, give Elijah Craig Straight Rye the perfect balance of flavor and smoothness.
THE RYE MASHBILL
While the distillation process for Straight Rye is similar to our Small Batch Bourbon, the difference lies in the mashbill. It’s 51% rye grain instead of corn: the legal requirement for this style of American Whiskey.
TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Medium chestnut
AROMA: Dark chocolate with spices and a hint of smoke
TASTE: Rich baking spices and honey backed up with smooth oak influence
FINISH: Long and lingering
What Gary Says
Nose: Toasted rye bread, mint, vanilla, citrus with hints of tarragon and dill.
Palate: Soft entry with caramel, honey, a slight pepper bite with mint, cinnamon, chocolate orange and a bit of nutmeg.
Finish: Moderately long with lingering citrus spice.
Comments: A tame rye, but rye none the less. I’ve been a rye fan for years, and if I had a “standard house rye”, it would be Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond. Both being Heaven Hill ryes from the same mashbill, of course I needed to do a blind side-by-side! Quite similar, with this being slightly lighter in color, and a bit softer – with a bit less oak. My guess is that this is matured on lower levels than Rittenhouse, and could be older. For my personal preference, I liked the Rittenhouse better each time, although it was close – as the flavor was more intense. The Elijah Craig Rye had a bit longer finish, but other than that – seemed like a softer version. And I’m not looking for softer rye whiskey (but your mileage may vary).